Kanya Sankranti

Kanya Sankranti

Kanya Sankranti is a Hindu celebration that sends off the sun from Simha Rashi (Leo) to Kanya Rashi (Virgo). As per the twelve Sankrantis taking place every year, one of them designates the sun's movement from one Zodiac sign to another.

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The signification of Kanya Sankranti

Kanya Sankranti is when the Sun transits into Virgo (Kanya Rashi), which marks a fitting description for this famous occasion. It also represents seasonal transitions and commencement for the Hindu solar calendar month with a unique association. This is how you can recognize it:

Seasonal and Agricultural Importance:

• Harvest Time: It signifies the end of the monsoon season and the start of the harvesting period in most parts of India. In this time farmers usually pray for their fruitful crops and prosperity in their fields.
• Sets the stage for the upcoming festival season: It sets up future festivals like Navratri and Durga Puja that are held in subsequent weeks.

Spiritual Significance:

Sun Worship: This festival is an opportunity to show gratitude to the sun god (Surya) since its movement into Virgo is considered one important astronomical event in the Vedic calendar.
Pitru Paksha: It often coincides with Pitru Paksha which is the period when Hindus pay respect to their ancestors. People usually perform tarpan (offerings to dead souls) for them.
Acts of Charity and Fasting Rituals:
Alms Giving: During this period of transition known as Sankranti, it becomes auspicious to offer charity and do good deeds. With a belief that giving spiritual merit to others, people share food items, and clothes among others with those who are needy.

Devotees observe religious fasting for the sake of their body and soul’s cleansing, divine blessings, and growth within themselves.

The Worshipping Of Lord Vishwakarma

• To some areas like Odisha and West Bengal, Kanya Sankranti falls on the same day as Vishwakarma Puja, which is dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma who is a divine architect. On this specific day workers, engineers and craftsmen perform rituals on their tools seeking protection and success in what they do.

The Transition into Virgo (Kanya Rashi)

• Astrological Significance: The Sun entering Virgo is associated with practical, service-oriented, nurturing energies. This period is believed to be for purifying, renewing oneself, and setting personal development goals.

Cleansing And Purifying

• Holy Baths: The sacred rivers are believed to wash away sins as well as grant wealth and peace hence people go there during Sankranti which is considered important in terms of impurity removal.

Regional Celebrations:

Various regions in India celebrate Kanya Sankranti differently by performing traditional rituals and making offerings.

Odisha:

• In Odisha, Kanya Sankranti is observed as “Biswakarma Puja”, an occasion when artisans, craftsmen, and workers render homage to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect. It is a day when machine workers take off from work and their tools are worshipped for blessings about success and safety in their job.

Maharashtra:

• Like other Sankrantis, Kanya Sankranti is celebrated with rituals prayers, and distribution of foodstuffs in Maharashtra as well. This day highlights charity with special foods being prepared.

North India:

• Auspicious times for bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges occur during Kanya Sankranti in some parts of northern India along with performing rituals for ancestors (Pitru Tarpan).

Traditional Foods and Customs:

• Many people give away rice, lentils, vegetables, clothes, and other basic needs as an act of charity for Kanya Sankranti.
• Special offerings are made to the Sun God which may include rice, milk, and sesame seeds.
• Fasting and visits to temples are common practices; some even go as far as bathing in holy rivers to wash off their sins.

Spiritual Importance:

• Kanya Sankranti is a highly propitious time for those in search of spirit and offers made to our forefathers count for something. As such, it is considered the best time for embarking on new business enterprises and plans.

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Frequently Ask Questions

What is Kanya Sankranti?

Kanya Sankranti, also known as the period of Virgo, is a major festival within Hinduism that signals that the sun has moved into the sign of Virgo (Kanya Rashi) during its annual cycle. The festival marks the end of the rainy season in India and the onset of the harvest season. This occasion is celebrated through numerous rituals, prayers, and charitable acts.

When does one celebrate Kanya Sankranti?

At times Kanya Sankranti falls on September 15th or 16th depending on the solar calendar as well as regional variations. The date may change each year.

What are common rituals during Kanya Sankranti?

Usual observances when celebrating Kanya Sankranti include:

• Prayers to Sun God, Surya.
• Donating foodstuffs, clothes with other necessary items to help those who lack them.
• Fasting or performing specific religious practices.
• Take a dip in sacred rivers or water bodies if possible.

How is Kanya Sankranti celebrated differently?

In different regions, Kanya Sankranti celebrations vary:

• In West Bengal and Odisha, it is celebrated along with Vishwakarma Puja where artisans worship their tools.
• In North India, people may perform rituals for ancestors and take holy dips in rivers while others practice fasting or offering prayers to the sun god Surya.
• Traditional prayers and festive dishes are associated with this event in Maharashtra. In the northeast, however; regional festivals may coincide with Kanya Sankranti celebrations as well as local customs.

What do charitable acts done in Kanya Sankranti mean?

It’s believed that charitable acts during Kanya Sankranti bring spiritual merit and blessings. Because of this providing food, clothes, and other essentials is thought to bring riches, cleanse the spirit, and accomplish religious duties. The acts align themselves with themes of renewal, gratitude, and community welfare around this festival.

Who Is Kalki?

Who Is Kalki

Kalki: The Future Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Who is Kalki?

Kalki is considered a future avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is predicted to come down at the end of this age, known as Kali Yuga (the age of darkness and corruption). He is the tenth and last avatar in Vishnu’s Dashavatara (the ten incarnations) series.

Kalki

Purpose of Kalki’s Incarnation

Kalki, whose primary function is the restoration of dharma (virtue) through eliminating Adharma (vice), will end the evil that has plagued the earth in Kali Yuga. The Hindu scriptures posit that at some point in this time, confusion, loss of human values, and degradation are going to take over our world. This important moment will find Kalki coming down to correct it by rinsing the place clean and reestablishing ethics once again.

Has Kalki Already Been Born?
Per Hindu scriptures and prophecies, Kalki – the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu – has not yet arrived. He is forecasted to come towards the end of Kali Yuga (the present age filled with darkness and evil). The Puranas say that he will come when dharma has reached its lowest point accompanied by turmoil, anarchy, poverty, disease, etc. His coming signifies the destruction of sin and evil and the beginning of a new period called Satya Yuga (age of truth and goodness).

What Scriptures Say About Kalki’s Birth
In Shambhala village will Kalki be born according to prophecy to a Brahmin family. His dad was a wise man named Vishnuyasha while his mother was Sumati. The time for his birth according to prophecies will be characterized by extreme deception, greed, and immorality among others. At such times dharma gets restored by Kalki emerging from obscurity.

Family of Kalki

• Father: Vishnuyasha

Vishnuyasha is prophesied to be a devout Brahmin who knows Vedic scriptures. His portrayal is that of a righteous sage, knowing dharma and teaching it wisely to Kalki.

• Mother: Sumati

Sumati is characterized as a virtuous woman with deep compassion. She will bring Kalki together with Vishnuyasha in the village of Shambhala to prepare him for a divine mission.

• Wife: Padma

According to some texts, Padma is the name of the woman who would become his wife, while in others she is referred to as Padmavati. She will become the consort of the next avatar and is described as a noble and virtuous princess.

Role Of Kalki

When he matures, Kalki will begin his divine mission, which includes:

• Ending Evil: Unjust kings, corrupt men, and demons who have occupied earth shall be destroyed by Kalki.
• Restoring balance: After defeating the evil powers, Kalki would claim back dharma restoring moral order.
• Restoring the order of righteousness – This would mean that about the time when he comes, Kali Yuga shall have ended and Satya Yuga dawned – there would be peace, truthfulness, justice, and prosperity again.

To summarize, according to traditional prophecies, Kalki has not yet been born; but he is expected to be born at a later stage towards the end periods of Kali Yuga when evil reaches its highest level. He will have a lot of assistance from his family on this mission which is supposed to be on to restore balance in the universe.

Kalki’s Representation

• Looking: Kalki is generally shown as a powerful fighter, galloping on a white horse with a sword shining like a comet.
• Use of Weapon: He bears an enchanted sword that serves to annihilate the wicked.
• Horse: Kalki is represented as riding on a white stallion which signifies purity and speed.

The Termination of Kali Yuga

It has been predicted that Kalki will manifest at a time when human civilization has sunk into the deepest depth of moral degradation; that is to say during Kali Yuga. This shall mark the end of this epoch and commence another one known as Satya Yuga or the age of truth and virtue. This period denotes the termination of Time’s cyclical nature because Vishnu reincarnates to restore the equilibrium and bring forth a new golden period.

References from Scriptures

Puranas: In such scriptures as Vishnu Purana or Bhagavata Purana, mention is made about the coming of Kalki as the last incarnation of Vishnu.
Kalki Purana: It is a special scripture narrating about the near coming of Kalki including what he would do and the conditions surrounding his coming forth.

Kalki signifies expectation and society’s righteous judgment against immorality. it also prophesizes its end along with the regeneration of morality on earth.

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Frequently Ask Questions

Has Kalki already been born?

No, as per Hindu scriptures, Kalki has not yet taken birth. He is foretold to come at the end of Kali Yuga, today’s period of moral decay and disorder to re-establish dharma (righteousness) and begin Satya Yuga.

Who will be Hai World’s father?

Vishnuyasha will be Kalki’s father; he was an educated and religious Brahmin; his mother will be Sumati, a virtuous woman; they’ll live in the village of Shambhala where it is prophesied that Kalki shall be born.

What purpose does his incarnation serve?

Kalki aims to eradicate evil entirely, destroy wicked rulers/forces, and restore dharma (moral order). His arrival signals the end of Kali Yuga and ushers in a new era of prosperity- Satya Yuga characterized by righteousness, peace, and prosperity.

What does he look like? What are his usual images?

He usually rides on a white horse with a sword that shines like a comet or falls star glistering comet-shaped light behind him thus denoting purity-emphasizing sword symbolizing the destroyer of wrongdoers.

Is he going to marry any girl? Who’ll marry him?

Yes according to prophetically derived guesswork about him; Kalki will take Padma for wife also known by alias as Padmavati sometimes. She’s depicted as a princess of honor and virtue who will be his spouse in his divine task of bringing back justice

10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu

10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu

There are 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu that we have called Dashavatara; these are very important in Hinduism, indicating how this deity took on various shapes to re-establish the cosmic equilibrium. Every avatar appeared during some age (Yugas) to fight against evil and preserve the good ones.

Lord Vishnu

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Matsya (The Fish)

• Age: Satya Yuga
• Purpose: Matsya, the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is regarded for his fundamental role in preserving sacred Vedas and humanity during a massive flood. A detailed view can be found here:
• The Great Deluge: According to Hindu mythology, there was an enormous flood or deluge that was meant to cover the earth and eliminate all forms of life. This had been predicted by the sage Manu who had received a warning from Vishnu in his Matsya form.
• Saving the Vedas: When the great flood was about to come, Matsya saved the sacred Vedas which is the basic text used in Hinduism so that they would remain with us for posterity. They were at risk of being lost through drowning, however, Matsya managed to deliver them to one mountain top.
• Rescuing Manu and Humanity: Matsya also rescued Manu, the father of mankind as well as his family. To this effect, he asked Manu to build a huge boat and take on board samples of all plants and animals existing then. As soon as the waters covered the earth, Matsya guided the ship towards safety thus enabling both Manu and preserved beings to re-inhabit it when they receded away.

Kurma (The Tortoise) 

• Age: Satya Yuga
• Reason for Being: In Hindu mythology, lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma (the tortoise) and helped to churn the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Below are the chief aspects:
• Supportive Mount Mandara: To keep it from going down under the sea during the churning of the ocean; Vishnu took on a tortoise form (Kurma) to support this mountain. For this reason, the churning was able to continue.
• Gaining the Nectar of Immortality: The gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churn to get Amrita - the nectar that gives immortality. This process greatly depended on Kurma’s support which managed to keep both the mountain and successful for churning to proceed.
• As a result, Kurma emphasizes Vishnu’s roles, which include being a guardian and supporter of cosmic order while ensuring balance and successful divine activities. The themes of support and stability amidst cosmic upheavals are thus brought out by this incarnation

Varaha

• During the Satya Yuga, Lord Vishnu’s boar resulted in Varaha, his third avatar. It was during this avatar that he rescued Goddess Bhudevi from a demon called Hiranyaksha who had submerged her in the cosmic ocean.
• In return for saving the earth, Varaha dived into the ocean, fought with Hiranyaksha, defeated him, and held the Earth on his tusks to restore it to its rightful place.

This avatar stands for bringing order out of chaos and signifies Vishnu’s role as a preserver of the universe.

Parashurama

• In the Treta Yuga, Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe). He carried an axe that Lord Shiva bestowed upon him to rid the Kshatriya (warrior) class of their evils and unjust acts. These kings had turned into tyrants and were ignoring their subjects’ well-being and morality.
• Parashurama is often depicted as a warrior-monk who, in his rage, wiped out the Kshatriya race 21 times. Despite being such a warrior, he is also viewed as a learned sage whose strict life showed him to be both a guardian of dharma (truth) and an enemy of unrighteousness.

His deeds show that there is always a need to bring back balance to society or dharma through repatriation.

Rama

• Born in Treta Yuga, Rama was the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu who had come to restore dharma by defeating demon king Ravana. In the epic Ramayana, he is depicted as the epitome prince, son, and king. Rama’s life is marked by righteousness, compassion, and honor but faced many challenges such as exile imposed on him by his father and the abduction of Sita his wife.
• Rama’s victory over Ravana who also represented pridefulness and dharma (unjustness) serves not only as a personal achievement but also an act of cosmic restitution that reminds us how good triumphs over evil.

Krishna

•  The eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born during the Dvapara Yuga and played a significant role in Mahabharata. Krishna, known as a divine statesman, was an excellent diplomat and strategist. He rushed to help Pandavas, especially Arjuna by providing guidance through the Bhagavad Gita the eternal spiritual discourse based on duty, righteousness (dharma), and self-realization.
• Moreover, he defeated several demons including his tyrant uncle Kamsa who had oppressed the people and tried to kill Krishna as a boy because of the prophecy. Nonetheless, besides showing heroics through wars Krishna is esteemed for being wise and playful as well as determining the future of not only Mahabharata but also spirituality among mankind.

Buddha 

• It emerged in the Kali Yuga period, considered by some Hindu sects as the ninth avatar of Vishnu. He was popularly known as the ‘Enlightened One’, whose teachings were dominated by compassion, non-violence, and awakening. The purpose of this incarnation was to help people move away from common rituals such as sacrifices and violence that had become rampant.
• Siddhartha Gautama later called Buddha preached peace calling upon everyone to follow morality, meditation, and wisdom as a way of life. The core foundation of his doctrine is based on Buddhism which suggests that suffering can be stopped through four noble truths; eightfold path actions help in reaching Nirvana. Buddha wanted to put a stop to unnecessary rites so that man could concentrate more on self-transformation, love, and comprehension.

Kalki

• The last incarnation of Lord Vishnu is expected to arrive during the Kali Yuga, in which we’re living presently. He is frequently portrayed as a warrior on a white horse holding the sword of light. Kalki’s mission aims to put an end to dharma (evil) and wrongdoing that will have escalated significantly by this time.
• In addition to wiping out evil, one thing for which Kalki has come was to cleanse the world of all impurities before restoring dharma (virtue). As soon as he comes, it signifies that there will be no more Kali Yugas whilst moving ahead into another period referred to as Satya Yuga where peace reigns supreme once more; this implies that everything starts again afresh henceforth characterized by goodness throughout. It follows that this avatar serves as an emblem of hope associated with revival and victory of righteousness over everything else.

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Frequently Ask Questions

In what way does Lord Vishnu take different avatars?

Lord Vishnu takes different avatars every time a cosmic order and/or dharma (righteousness) is threatened. Each avatar emerges according to particular needs and challenges that are presented to it; for instance, concerns of divine equilibrium, allegiance to devotees, or the destruction of evil forces.

What is the significance of the Dashavatara in Hinduism?

The Dashavatara portrays the ten most vital incarnations of Vishnu; hence portraying him as an upholder as well as a preservative agent for the universe. Different dimensions of cosmic balance and human values are addressed by each avatar indicating Vishnu’s complete arrangement for fighting against dharma rakshases and keeping up with dharma.

How is the Dashavatara depicted in art and literature?

The Dashavatara is illustrated in all sorts of arts such as sculptures, paintings, or literature texts. Every avatar has its own characteristic pictures which include:

• Matsya: Typically represented just like a fish or sometimes only its lower half resembles one.
• Kurma: Often shown wearing tortoise shells or even being one.
• Varaha: Usually looked upon as being a pig while at times just holding its head.
• Narasimha: Depicted as having a lion face somehow combined manly figure.
• Vamana: Usually appears dwarf like carrying a water bowl
• Parashurama: His dress looks brahminical while he holds an axe.
• Rama: A prince bearing bow arrows
• Krishna: Everyone sees him in different forms including that of; child/friend/warrior
• Buddha: He is represented with traditional Buddhist iconography.
• Kalki: He is supposed to be depicted as a warrior sitting on a white horse.

Do all Hindu texts mention the Dashavatara of Vishnu?

The concept of Dashavatara is mainly found in Puranas such as Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana. These texts explain the ten principal avatars and what they are all about. Although, Dashavatara is an accepted concept, its interpretations and the inclusion of avatars like Buddha may differ from one Hindu tradition or text to another.

When Is Vishwakarma Puja

When Is Vishwakarma Puja

The festival of Vishwakarma Puja will be commemorated on Monday, September 16th, 2024. Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman in Hindu mythology, is worshipped on this day. It is celebrated by workers and professionals in every industry, particularly engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.

                  Vishwakarma Puja

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Importance of Vishwakarma Puja

Puja is a festival that is observed by people from different parts of the world. However, it is of special significance to artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and workers across the globe. This day sees rituals and prayers seeking blessings for success, safety, and efficiency at the workplace as the divine creator who happens to be Lord Vishwakarma celebrates his existence.

• Worshiping Craftsmen – Vishwakarma is revered as the divine craftsman who constructed the palaces, and made the weapons and vehicles of Gods in Hindu myth. This puja therefore becomes a tribute to him representing how all kinds of jobs need precision, craftsmanship, and creativity.
• Worshipping Tools & Machines – Workers clean up their tools on Vishwakarma Puja unlike any other day; they even adorn them with flowers sometimes. After these preparations have been done they are worshipped indicating respect for instruments that provide sustenance in one’s life.
• Safety & Efficiency Promotion – Workers’ safety is being prayed for during the ritualistic practices associated with Vishwakarma Puja points out its focus mainly on planning and administering employees to enhance safe operations and machine efficiency.
• Solidarity & Decency Emphasis – The puja unites individuals from different trades emphasizing teamwork, decency, and job pride celebrations. Also, it shows the essence of hard work.
• Social Importance: Vishwakarma Puja is a multicultural event celebrated in many countries all over the world: Vegetation and architecture have been practiced in India for centuries.

This day is an invitation to remember that work is what keeps society going and how it is important for human beings, machines as well as nature to exist in peace together.

Rituals Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in various ways, particularly by people engaged in craftsmanship, engineering, and industrial work. Major rituals associated with Vishwakarma Puja are:

• Cleaning and Decorating the Workspace: Before puja, workers thoroughly clean their workstations, gears, and machines. They often decorate them with flowers, garlands as well as rangoli (traditional patterns made on the ground with colored powders), as they prepare for worship.
• Setting up the Vishwakarma Idol or Image: An idol or image of Lord Vishwakarma—the God who designed everything—is placed on an altar within the workplace. Flowers adorn it while offerings are made to request blessings from this deity.
• Worship of Tools and Machinery: Tools, machines, and instruments used daily during work are set out before the Vishwakarma idol and worshipped. It is a way of expressing gratitude towards what provides one’s living and reminding them to take care of it.
• Puja Rituals: This puja typically consists of chanting mantras while offering flowers, fruits, or sweets alongside lighting incense sticks. Alternatively, workers might conduct it themselves or a priest may be called upon to do so Offerings are made unto Lord Vishwakarma while prayers request smooth machine operation safety in addition to prosperity at every job site.
• The Havan (Fire Ritual): A havan (which is a ritualistic fire ceremony) is carried out in several areas during puja. Offerings are placed into the holy fire while chanting certain Vedic mantras to make the god happy.
• A Feast and Community Gathering: Following the puja, there is usually a community meal that encompasses all laborers including their families. It brings about togetherness and communal harmony.
• Vishwakarma Day Being Observed as a Public Holiday: In numerous industrial regions, Vishwakarma Puja serves as a public holiday when work comes to a stop for the day. This enables laborers to perform their rituals and participate in celebrations without being bothered by work-related pressures.

Such rites reaffirm the regard for instruments or machines, the essentiality of artistry, and the wish for security and prosperity in employment. Apart from being a religious activity, the puja is an honor for working people and an ode to inventiveness

History

The introduction of Vishwakarma Day in honor of Lord Vishwakarma is what it is also referred to as Vishwakarma Jayanti. The divine architect and craftsman is admired in Hindu mythology as the Lord Vishwakarma. The universe was created by him together with the weapons that were for gods and he constructed sacred cities.

Among artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and industrial workers, a celebration of Vishwakarma Day is more conspicuous. Most especially, it is celebrated in industrial settings and factories throughout India more so in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Karnataka. On this day, people worship their tools as well as machinery praying that they be successful in their jobs while at the same time remaining safe.

According to history books, Vishwakarma Puja has been a tradition for many years showing how much craftsmanship is valued in culture and considering tools to be holy. The day includes rituals, and food shared with everyone in gratitude towards those that work for their families or creativity which keeps them alive.

It points out how important manual work and professionalism are to Indian society as well as showing the spiritual relationship between the worker and their instruments.

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Frequently Ask Questions

What is Vishwakarma Puja?

Vishwakarma Puja is a festival for Hindus that is celebrated in praise of Lord Vishwakarma, the god who is viewed as the master builder and craftsman. He has been considered as the creator of this universe by others, being seen as the architect for all gods’ palaces and the designer of their weapons. In fact, it is during this festival that engineers, architects, artisans, and industrial workers worship their tools and machinery

When do we have Vishwakarma Puja?

Vishwakarma Puja has always been celebrated on September 17 every year. Nevertheless, slight variations can be observed from one geographical region to another. This particular occasion falls on the last day in Bengalis’ month Bhadra also known as Kanya Sankranti

What are the main rituals of Vishwakarma Puja?

The major rituals carried out on Vishwakarma Puja involve praying to Lord Vishwakarma as well as worshipping with flowers, milk, or anything else for workers’ tools or machines they use. Devotees engage in offerings such as aarti prayers seeking blessings for seamless operation of the machines and affluence in the workplaces among others. Many industries usually give their employees a day off so that they may take part in this Puja Celebration besides partaking it amidst other activities like food and culture program

When is Onam 2024

When is Onam 2024

• Onam/Date (2024)
• Fri, 6 Sept, 2024 – Sun, 15 Sept, 2024
• Thiruvonam Onam ( 15 September 2024)

When is Onam

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This is the day King Mahabali visits every domestic and blesses each circle of relatives in Kerala.

Onam, which will be celebrated in the year 2024 on September 15, when Thiruvonam falls, is a well-known festival among Kerala’s customs. The festivities last for ten days, from Fig on September 6 to Thiruvonam on September 15. This holiday is noteworthy for its extensive festivities, such as the traditional meal known as Onasadya made during these days, complicated floral arrangements called Pookalam, and several folk dances and boat races taking place.

Rituals of Onam

Onam, celebrated in Kerala with great zeal, incorporates several complex rituals that take place over ten days, each with very different meanings and traditions. The following are some main rites associated with Onam:

Atham Day (Day 1)

• Pookalam: The festival commences on Atham which is the first day of Onam. On this day you are required to spread out Pookalam (a flower carpet) in front of your house. The Pookalam is small in size when it begins on Atham. However, it becomes larger and more intricate until the end of the gala.

Vamana Jayanti (Days 2 – 9)

• Vishukkani: In the days preceding Onam, people clean their houses and decorate them with more intricate Pookalams in anticipation of Mahabali’s coming.
• Cultural Performances: Several cultural events take place during these days among which are traditional dances such as Kaikottikali, Thiruvathirakali, and Pulikali (tiger dance). Besides this music and dance competitions are held too.
• Onakalikal: Onakalikal are various traditional games and sports played during this period including Talappanthukali (a ball game), Ambeyyal (archery), and Kutukutu (a traditional game played mainly in Kerala).

Thiruvonam (Day 10)

• Onasadya: The tenth day of Onam is Thiruvonam which is considered by many as its most significant day characterized by a sumptuous feast called Onasadya. This meal has nine courses that cover a wide array of dishes all serving traditional foods like rice, sambar,avial,thoran, and payasam which are served on plantain leaves.
• Vallamkali (Boat Race): The Vallamkali is a prominent event during Onam and can be found especially in some parts of Alappuzha. Long snake-like boats are used by various teams who row them in competition against each other while maintaining an atmosphere of friendship.
• Temples Visiting: A good number of people visit temples with prayers and well wishes in mind. The Thrikkakara Temple is considered to be the home of Mahabali hence it remains an important place where prayers are offered during Onam.

Avittom (Day 11)

• Onathappan: The day after Thiruvonam symbolizes King Mahabali by Onathappan, who is dipped in water for the last time. It is a sign that he should go to the underworld.
• Post-Onam Celebrations: Small gatherings, more feasting, and cultural performances take place even after the Thiruvonam celebrations.

Other Rituals

• Pulikali: A folk art where dancers paint themselves tiger and hunters’ images. Mainly, it is famous in the Thrissur region filled with colors of happiness and delight.

Onam thus emerges among the main festivities in Kerala which evokes enormous joy and importance through its practices and traditions.

The History of Onam

Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, a state located in India whose culture and politics have deep-rooted historical significance. It is the festival that signifies the return of King Mahabali, an ideal king who lived thousands of years ago. Hence, every year during this time he comes to see his subjects lead prosperous lives.

Mythological Background:

Lying closely behind Onam were the legendary tales about the Demon King Mahabali who was famed for his righteousness and magnanimity. As per Hindu mythology, King Mahabali ruled over a very prosperous realm that even led the gods to be scared of him. In response, Lord Vishnu approached this great ruler requesting just three paces of land in his Vamana avatar (miniature Brahmin). Mahabali graciously agreed to this request, however as Vishnu grew into immense proportions, on two steps he covered all dry land and all-sky too. The third step however ranged from everything but starting right from Mosul through Aleppo up until Baku which was offered by Mother Earth herself; rather she allowed him to step on his own head after which he would be sent underground; but in return for his goodness, he was allowed by lord Vishnu to go back once every year into his domain which has become known as Onam.

Historical Significance:

Onam is also marked as one of those harvest festivals that come about after monsoons in Kerala thus marking its peak harvest season signifying prosperity, fertility, and cultural vibrancy for the state.

Cultural Celebrations:

The Festival is noted for its intricate ceremonies, ancient contests, folkloristic shows, and sumptuous repasts. The Onasadya which is served on a banana leaf is the most well-known celebration of Onam characterized by multiple courses of vegetarian dishes. Additionally, there are several other significant festivities like Pookalam (flower arrangements), Pulikali (a dance performed by impersonators of tigers), and Vallamkali (boat racing).

The history of Onam illustrates how agriculture thrived in Kerala while simultaneously depicting its cultural absorption through a blend of mythology with distinguishable accolades that remain as aspects of identity for inhabitants in this region.

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Frequently Ask Questions

What is Onam?

Onam, the festivity of the major Hindus, is celebrated predominantly in Kerala. It signifies the coming back of King Mahabali, a fictional king, and therefore is nothing but a series of elaborate feasts, folk dance festivals, and other pre-existing patterns of cultural activities that last for ten days.

When is Onam celebrated in 2024?

Onam in 2024 will be celebrated from Friday 6th September to Sunday 15th September, with the main day, Thiruvonam, which will be on the 15th of September.

What are the key rituals of Onam?

Among them are Pookalam (flower carpets), Onasadya (grand feast), Vallamkali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and Kaikottikali (a traditional dance) among others.

Why is Onam celebrated?

Onam is an annual celebration in honor of King Mahabali’s visit. This is a king who was loved by many and his period in power is remembered as the golden age of equality and wealth. The festival represents his return to show mercy on his subjects.